When Josue Rocha heard the news that his friend was landing at Dulles International Airport Thursday afternoon, he says the first thing he did was buy a bouquet of roses and lilies. But he expects this to be a reunion unlike most: His friend was on board a flight from Nicaragua with more than 200 other people, all of whom were newly freed political prisoners.

“The love that we have for them is the same love we have for all of Nicaragua,” says Rocha, who was exiled from the country himself.

According to a State Department spokesperson, the Nicaraguan Government decided unilaterally to release the prisoners. Many of them have spent years in prison, some for exercising their fundamental freedoms, and in terrible conditions. The U.S. facilitated their transportation to the United States, where they will be paroled for humanitarian reasons for two years.

Most of the prisoners aboard the flight were arrested in the summer of 2021, before controversial elections that gave Daniel Ortega a fourth term in power. According to a list published by the government, many of the prisoners were activists, political opponents, clergy, and journalists.

As reports of the flight’s destination, Dulles Airport, became public, dozens throughout the Nicaraguan community made their way there to welcome the freed prisoners. Lester and Emmanuel Morales, brothers who work construction near the airport, called out of work when they heard the flight was coming.

“This is something beautiful that I can’t miss— this is history!” says Lester. “Let’s receive them how they deserve, like heroes.”

Many in the Nicaraguan diaspora brought flags, signs, and flowers to show their support. Among them was Oswaldo León, who draped himself in the white and blue banner.

“We know they represent the hope and future of Nicaragua,” says León, who lives in D.C. “A future without dictators, a future with democracy, a future with freedom for all.”

Amalia Ulloa, who lives in Silver Spring, described the move as a step forward for democracy and the people of Nicaragua.

“¡Emocionadísima!” says Ulloa. “We’ve been waiting for a long time, with a lot of hope.”